Ok, this might be a trick question, but was wondering if anyone has experience with one of these lathes and an opinion on speed control… This is what I’m looking at:

It’s a completely restored 1987 gap bed variable speed PM45 in perfect condition. While I love my little Delta, the lowest speed it can turn at is around 900 rpm (actual range is 930-3200 rpm), which gets really wild when trying to turn bowls or anything that is fairly out of balance before roughing it down. This Powermatic is plug-n-play with nothing needing to be done to it, comes with a set of 13 turning tools in a nice wooden case, a couple of centers, original manual, wiring schematics, additional printed documentation and – it has been upgraded to a single phase 1hp motor, and the original 3-phase motor is included. What I’m wondering is – would the single phase motor and variable speed control be sufficient (speed range is 330 to 2100 rpm), or would it be worthwhile (and worth the extra money) to put the three phase motor back in and use a VFD to get a wider speed range?

Cheers,Brad

-- Brad in FL - In Dog I trust... everything else is questionable

34 replies so far

Do you really need anything slower than 330 rip-em’s? Unless you’re turning really big bowls or items that are really unbalanced, i would think that’s slow enough, especially if you’ve gotten by until now at 900 rpm…I don’t have any experience with a lathe though, so i very well could be wrong. Just my intuition talking….

How many HP is the included 3 phase? If you can get a VFD cheap enough, you might as well upgrade it.

No experience with PM lathes or 3 phase. But that is a friggin’ gorgeous machine!

Unless you’re going to be chasing threads, I think the low end of the speed range it has with the single phase motor should be sufficient. But, I don’t work with any really large stuff so maybe it needs to be slower for really big rough blanks?

I like to spin mine up around 3k rpm for sanding/polishing/buffing small parts but 2100 might be fine on that end as well.

If have the money buy it. Whether you change motors another question only you can answer. Would go with current motor until you see a need to change. That will give you time to scout out components to modify from reeves drive to electronic variable speed.

Reeves drives get a bad rap due to Asian imports with reeves drives. As long as do not try to change speeds with motor off and keep system clean & lubed should work just fine. Most of those PM 45’s sold to schools and small wood shops and took years of abuse.

Reeves drives get a bad rap due to Asian imports with reeves drives. As long as do not try to change speeds with motor off and keep system clean & lubed should work just fine.

Amen! Reeves drives have been around for a long time … originally application was in early 20th century cars, and are still in use as CVD (continuous variable drive) transmissions. They are dependable if used correctly and are properly maintained.

-- Gerry -- "I don't plan to ever really grow up ... I'm just going to learn how to act in public!"

I have a used Powermatic 45 lathe that I bought used from a museum in Norfolk about 6 years or so ago. The museum had purchased 6 of them from the local high school system who had phased out their woodworking classes, and then had them reconditioned for use in a woodworking program the museum ran for a few years. I was told that they dated from the late 1950’s or early ‘60’s. I paid $300 and that included a set of Craftsman turning tools which I quickly replaced since the tools would not hold a decent edge. It looks just about identical to the one in your picture, except mine is green and looks as if it were in a high school program. I did replace the tail center with a live center.

The lathe runs very smoothly and has had no problems. I had to disassemble it to move it up to my home and had some questions during the reassembly. I called Powermatic and they provided a user’s manual at no charge. The lathe came with a replacement Leeson 3/4 hp motor that works very well for my use. I have used it primarily for spindle turning since my interest is furniture making. The variable speed works well and is labeled down to 500 rpm. All in all, I am very satisfied with it and think it was a very worthwhile investment.

Calm down guys… It has been sitting quietly in my garage for a couple of days now :-)

I was fast enough to be first in line (of many according to the PO). I caught the ad a little less than an hour after being posted, and the only thing I asked him was when and where. The dog and I drove down and picked it up that evening.

I wasn’t asking IF I should buy it, but about the speed range, and if it’s worth the effort and expense to switch it back to three phase and add a VFD. I still need to figure a way to get it out to my back patio – the thing weighs a bunch and is rather awkward to move. Just getting it in and out of the truck bed was quite a feat. If I were to do any work on it, it would be much easier in the garage before being moved, hence the question.

Thanks Rick… you and Kenny both have me thinking that the current speed range will be sufficient. I wasn’t too worried about the upper end – I don’t think I’ve ever used the top speed on my Delta, and rarely even use the next step down (2140 rpm). If I ever want to chase threads, I’ll do it on my South Bend!

Also, the original motor was 3/4hp, so the 1hp one in there now is preferable. I had been thinking about converting my Delta to variable speed using a DC treadmill motor, but might consider using the 3/4hp three phase and VFD combo on it instead. At least it’s another option to think about if I decide to keep the Delta. Or maybe I’ll just sell the Delta as is, and use the money to finally buy a chuck instead… I know you guys have been ragging on me for not using one :)